davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23
one Dollar 81 gear for TIE
Weehiy Free Press.
Fictitious Valuations.
From the Boston Traveller. 7

From the Boston Traveller.l
Mayor O'Brien announced at the Con
ference of the department OF finance on
Wednesday that the total valuation at
the present time is Sol 900, 900 less than
IN 1874, in spite of the large number of
new buildings erected since that time.
The mayor made this announcement with
evident satisfaction. His honor, however,
neglected to add that much of our real
estate in 1874 Is quoted at prices 10 to 30
per cent higher tnan in 1877. The prices
were at that time far above their real
values, and the assessors did not exhibit
good Judgment in fixing valuations at
this inflated standard There has not
been any Increase in real estate prices
during the past year to warrant the ad-
Nances made in the scale OF valuation,
ana IN marking up valuations the asses
sors have done more to disturb the real
estate market than all the spectators In
the city put together. Fictitious valua-
tions are TO be guarded against, and the
assessors should be the last to place them
upon property, They should follow the
market and not lead IT, rs at present seems
TO be the policy in this city.
This criticism applies with equal force
to the Burlington assessors.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23
Personal AND POLITICAL.

Alan Arthur, son of the late expresi-
dent, is travelling III Egypt.
Robert Garrett, now in San Francisco,
has decided to go on a trip around the
world
The Empress Eugene has recovered her
health and is considering a tour in the
Holy Land.
Miss Anna f. Dickinson, who has been
i'll for nearly year, is improving and will
shortly go South.
The democratic party at last accounts
had given birth to no anti-saloou move
ment. 1t is not that kind of Il party.
Kentucky has more than 900 people
who can neither read nor write. Protec-
ton has no show in that State.
The railroad train used by the car in
his travels is the same as was formerly
used by Napoleon ILL., 1t consists of 20
cars.
The Prince of Wales having taken to
correspondence by postal cards they are at
once declared in good form.
The prohibition national committee has
decided to base representation in the ma
tional convention of next year on the vote
the party polled in 1856 This will make
the number of delegates 1913
COurtlandt Palmer of New York is said
to be the richest socialist in the United
States, his fortune being estimated at
several millions.
Col. lngersoll has been invited by the
anal chists of Chicago to deliver an ora
ton over the collins of the five martyrs"
when they are removed on Sunday, 18th,
to permanent graves.
In the prospect of the resignation of
Eugene Higgins as appointment clerk of
the treasury department, George w. AL
bright of Albany Is being pressed by New
York congressman for the position.
Rev. Daniel p. Pike, whose death has
lately been announced at Newburyport,
Mass, is credited with having preached
5000 sermons, married more than 2000 per
sons, conducted 1000 funerals and baptized
100 converts
In the national republican convention
of 1884 each Territory and the District of
Columbia were allowed two delegates,
aud the present call allows each of them
four delegates.
The Chicago fund for the erection Of
monument to the victims of the IIaymgr-
NJ i'N' i''' f'ili19l w Nl AtNfNNll -NON Va N
Grant monument fund.
Tae convention in Chicago next June
will he the fifth national convention that
the republican party has held in that city.
They have found a democrat IN Russell,
Mass VINO is 81 years OLD, and has never
tasted beer, ale soda or champagne. He
must have lived IL terribly lonely life away
from his party.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

In view of the popular impression that
the "Star of Bethlehem" is to re ppear
this year, it may he of interest to note the
fact that while there is no star known to
astronomers as the star of Bethlehem"
some have thought it to be possibly the
variable star discovered and described by
Tycho Brahe in 1872. This star was of
very sudden growth from Il size at which
it was invisible, to the size of Venus. 1t
then gradually diminished and finally
disappeared in the following year. The
position of this mysterious heavenly
visitant was fixed by Tycho Brahe, in
the northern heavens in the constellation
of Cassopeia Since the invention of the
telescope, which was not in use in Brahe's
time, a small telescope star has been
found in this constellation which it is
thought may be that which he described
Some evidence is also adduced to show
that this star had before appeared at its
great brilliancy at periods of about 3l5
years, and was possibly the "Star of
Bethlehem" Having been last seen in
1873, this. if true, would make it due in
1855, or perhaps the last of 1887. But there
is little probability that any such period
has been established for it, At present,
the astronomers say, it presents no I'M
usual brightness.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

THE WEEKLY FREE PRESS, 3 cents per
copy, 10, cents for Xix months Sl00 year,
postage free.
Advertisements and subscriptions received
1T the Office 1S9 College Street Full adver-
Using rates sent on application.
Accounts cannot be opened for subscrip-
tlons. Subscribers will please remit with or
der, names are not entered until payment is
received, and all papers are stopped at the end
of the time paid for.
REMIT ances at the risk of the subscriber
unless made by registered letter, or by check
OF postal order payable to the Publishers.
The date when the subscription expires is on
the address-label of each paper, the change of
"nich to n subsequent date becomes receipt
for remittance. No other receipt is sent I'M
ess requested. The receipt of the paper is II
sdtHcient receipt for the first subscription.
When Il change of address is desired, both
the old and new addresses should bc given.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23
ONE DOLLAR Will now
buy the Weekly Free Press
one year. Tell your friends.
PERSONAL MENTION.

Judge Horace Alvord, aged o. VIII
mington's oldest residents, died Sunday.
He had represented the town and held
various local offices.
Hon. Sterling p. Rounds, formerly pub
lie printer, and recently editor and princi-
pal proprietor OF the Omaha Republican,
who died of pneumonia in Omaha Satur-
day, was born in Berkshire, Franklin
county, Vt, in 1928, but when lad re-
moved to Southport, Wis.
Senator Edmunds will leave Washing
ton early this week to escort his family to
Aiken, 5. c., where they will spend the
winter. The senator will be absent only a
few days.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

in dollars and cents The season of gift
buying is now at its height and there
seems to be for many people an especial
charm in the excitement and uncertainty
of the ante Holiday days. The coming
days will fly fast and there will be be-
lated persons running around toward the
midnight hours of Saturday looking for
something for a gift, which can be far bet
ter selected now. 1t is indeed a cheerful
season, and he would be q cynic indeed
who could look upon holiday scenes with
ont feeling that there is vast amount of
good in human nature after all.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23
ONE DOLLAR will now
buy the Weekly Free Press
one year. Tell your friends.
Mr.. Morrills Immigration Bill.

No more important measure is likely
to claim attention from the F'iftieth Con
gress than the bill to regulate and restrict
immigration introduced by Senator Nor
rill of Vermont at the opening of the pres
ent session.
Its main provisions are few and simple.
1t forbids tie bringing into this country
of any pauper, lunatic, idiot, con ict,
blind, deaf or dumb person, or any exile
for any n-political offence, or any one
who has been a public or charitable
charge or who is not able to take care of
himself, under penalty, laid upon every
sailing or steam vessel or railroad which
brings such an immigrant, of 5000 for
every passenger of the excluded classes so
brought. 1t requires of every immigrant
a certificate from an American consul, to
the effect that the person to whom the GER
tificate is given is of good moral charac-
ter, and not of the excluded classes above
mentioned.
Any consul who knowingly gives such a
certificate to person who Is not entitled
to it is subjected to fine of $500 and dis
missal from Ollie.
For the certificate the immigrant pays
the consul fee of 30 cents. A duty of 81
a head is laid upon every immigrant who
comes into our country without haYng
such certificate, to be paid by the vessel
or railroad, or transportation company
which brings the immigrant within our
borders, and, if of the excluded class, the
steamer or railroad company must take
them back whence they came.
Officers are provided to examine immi-
grants upon their arrival, to see il they
have The proper certificate and if they are
OF the CLASSES excluded 10y the act
Persons coming from ether countries
simply to visit this county on pleasure or
business, need not procure the certificate,
but instead must present pass, which
the consuls are required to furnish with
out fee
Without such a certificate as il described
above no immigrant can be allowed to be-
come a citizen or to mold real estate in this
country.
These are the more important provisions
of the bill. In regard to some of their
features we may have something to say
another day Mr.. Morrill, is no alarmist
He is kindly, sagacious, far-seeing
statesman, willing to eXteud our national
to all corners who will not be a
burden and clog upon our progress; but
to shut his eyes or to permit
Congress and the people longer to shut
their eyes to the great dangers which
US from the pauperism, vice and
crime which the old world is unloading
upon us. His speech will interest every
thoughtful reader, and will command at
teution for his bill. ~, '., $3.50, MI
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23
OUR KALEIDOSCOPE

Among the many haps of life,
There's one thing passing strange:
The ker1 senc can always hit
The hired girl out OF range
Tastes differ-onious and caramels, for
instance.
felt slipper isn't felt-that' S the beauty
Of it,
There is one thing to be said in favor of
the plumber. He tries hard to fill the
bill.
Jones, who catches his pastor out fish
ing; Good morning, doctor Are you
studying theology
Minister: "Yes-ichthyology."
Many young man devotes more
thought to the choice of a i1ecktie than
the choice OF profession.
Michigan makes more shingles than
other States in the Union, but, curiously
enough, it has no more than the usual
percentage Of good boys.
What kind of a ring is not round, has
no metal in it, and will fit no finger in the
worldt A herring.
We heard of man, the other day, who
was 80 hard up for tobacco that he tried
to white pipeful out Of plug hat.
One of the hardest things which youth
has to bear is a whipping on account of
the smell Of some other fellows cigar In
his clothes.
Mrs. Gilligan Of Bridgeport, who is to
travel with Barnum's show, will figure as
the THE Lady of Lions"
1t is said that people who have large
hearts have also large mouths. Herr
Most's heart must be whopper.
The pope has made John Good count
because of his munificent benefactions to
the church. Such things count in the
long run.
BIoOSon Is preparing an able scientific
paper to show that the modern hustle is
only survival of the monkeys tail
A fashion item states that much orien.
tai color is now the thing for interiors"
This Is no doubt to match the warm colors
applied to exteriors by the rapid young
gentlemen of the period
Johnny Dumpsey went into a railroad
restaurant, the other day, and startled his
father by asking PA, what IRE all
these men standing up to eat for ? Have
they been spanked ?"
Fall styles-Different methods of com
ing down on patch of ice.
An injured air-Boulanger's March.
We believe that there is only one real
knight in this country, and his name is
Sir Plus.
Drop word now and then to the poor
and miserable" says writer. Yes, but
don't drop it because it happens to be a
hot word.
Those portable houses shipped from
Chicago ought to be a first-rate idea for
the man who likes TO shift his residence
often enough TO keep out of the clutches
OF the tax collector.
There is said to be private cook in
New York city who gets salary of s. 900.
Base ball is not the only well-paid profess
sion in this country.
Worth in proper names as in Tamworth,
Wentworth, etc, signifies that the place
stands on tongue of land.-JOUIHdl OF
LducutiOi.
But when they say worth makes the
man. they don't mean that his tongue
is all that there is of him.
Mamma :"
"Well, PEI"
why don't they sweep out the churches
before that Gable man comes -
They do, suppose
Then what makes him talk about cob
webs in the churches 20
"Oh, just TO get "A little dust in his
purse.
WEEKLY FREE PRE- SS
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23
Extensive Seizure at Newport.

A heavy seizure Of Struggled liquor was
made at Newport Tuesday. A car ship
ped from st. Johns to Mancl lar, n. H.,
purported to be loaded " -aw but
upon examination 1t was fou that con-
cealed under 10 tons of straw were Sc
cases containing about 100 bottles of gin
and brandy. The car was promptly side
tracked and the liquor taken in charge by
the customs officers
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23
No Mans Land.

The request Of Mr.. Owen G. Chase O:
"No Mans Land" to be admitted to the
foof Of the House Of Representatives at
Washington in order that he may present
the wishes Of his people to be recognized
as territory, directs attention anew to
that remarkable section of the country.
This small strip Of territory. lying south
Of Kansas and Colorado and between the
Indian Territory and New Mexico is out
side of any organized State or territory Of
the United States, and therefore outside
the jurisdiction Of its courts. BY errors
In surveys, exclusions in acts Of Congress
fixing boundaries and general neglect,
1851, 800 acres in strip 1877 miles long and
thirty-four and half miles wide were left
out OF the existing organizations 1t is
fertile, well watered has valuable deposits
OF coal. fine climate, and a government
report says that it has the raw material
for % 900 farms of 100 acres each. 1t was
for years huge cattle run. but
is now peopled by several thousand
American farmers. They can get no
titles to their farms, they have no au-
thority to form government, to make
laws or to collect taxes, yet they have
done all these things, have built towns,
churches and school houses, and live to-
gether as peaceably as farmers who have
all the protection of regularly organized
courts for the administration of justice.
They propose to call the territory "Cimar-
ron" after its principal river, if Congress
will recognize their claims. While the
tract of land is larger than Connecticut,
the population, which is estimated at TO-
600, is hardly large enough to warrant the
granting of their request. The land will
no doubt be attached to an adjoining
State, but the fact that Americans, wher-
ever they are found, even without any le
gal government, as matter of course es-
tablish orderly society and maintain the
security of persons and property, is one of
which we may be proud.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

The report of the judge advocate gen
eral of the war department shows that
there were over 1900 trals by court-martal
in the United States army last year, or
about one for every twelfth soldier. The
boys seem to be trying to make up in
wickedness what they lack in numbers.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

A petition is in circulation in Rutland
for the establishment and maintenance
by the national government of telegraph
lines Nearly 1000 signatures have already
been obtained and it is expected that
fully 5000 names will be secured in that
vicinity.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

The prohibitonists propose to lead the
presidential procession of next year in
one way if not in another. Their national
convention will be held at Indianapolis
June 6. or two weeks before the repub-
lcau national convention.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

If anyone has been deludlng himself
with the idea that Appointment Clerk
Higgins OF the treasury department re
signed in response to public demand, en-
forced 10y the president, he has only to
read the letter of Mr.. Higgins and the
answer of Secretary Fairchild. Mr. IIig
gins says;
| respectfully tender to you my resgna-
ton OF the Office OF chief of the appoint
ment division. The duties are mainly
clerical, and | believe that | discharged
them to the satisfaction of the late secre-
tary and to your cOntentment and, be
lieVe, the good will of the department
officers. 1t has been a great pleasure to
me to have had Secretary Manning's and
your approval, and | now thank you for
the kindness and consideration you have
always shown me.
Mr.. Higgins may be correct in stating
that his duties" were mainly clerical" /;
but his doings were mainly political and
in violation of the civil service law and he
was put in the place because he was
skillful law-breaker.
Mr.. Fairchild replies:
1t is just to add that you have perform
ed your duties we'll and faithfully since
you have been connected with this de-
pArtment. ..t A''i3 -,
This Is in essence II not in form an I'M
truth for the only work that Higgins dis
charged faithfully was the carrying of
elections in Baltimore BY tho most disrep-
utable means known to thoroughly I'M
scrupulous politician. Higgins now goes
Into State Office in Maryland, which
will pay him about $45OO q year, and per-
NIT him to have full swing in manipulat-
ing Baltimore and Maryland politics in
the interest Of the German ring OF corrup-
tionists and ruffians .. e.s
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

The amount of revenue which would be
cut off by abolshing the duty on wool
would be about 100000, To effect this
small reduction, our democratic president
would strike down an interest which rep
resents S50O,0O0,00O of capital and 200, 900
wool growers aud wool dealers.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

BRAY.-ln this city, Dec. 10. NJ 73I p. m,
Charles, son OF Joseph and Mary Bray, aged
20 years and months.
DAvIpSON.-Il South Bur ingioI, d &C. Is,
George L. Davidson, IN the 3,tn year of his
age.
KELLEY.-ln this city. Dec. 20. Charles +
son of John and Ellen Kelley, aged Il years
aud months.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

The eightieth birthday of John G. Whit
tier, which occurred on Saturday, was
rec gnized by his many friends in many
ways. Gov. Ames and many distinguish
ed citizens of Massachusetts paid their re-
spects to him, in person, at his home in
Danvers. The public schools of Salem,
Danvers and other Massachusetts towns
and the colored schools in Washington
and other cities, held special exercises, in
his honor and a great number of letters,
cougratulatory addresses and testimonials
from organizations and individuals, in
Guiding many of the most eminent writers
and citizens, were received by him. Mr..
Whittier's four score years have not de-
prived his muse of her powers, for new
poems from his pen will appear in two
of the January magazines, and the thou
sands who have thanked him in their
hearts for impulses to right, and comfort
in sorrow, and upliftings to a higher
plane of life and duty, will join in the
prayer that his declining days may be
blessed by every solace and help that can
come to soothe and crown a life of such
rare purity and helpfuluess.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

The first words of Rev. Joseph Parker
upon his arrival at Liverpool were that
he should never 60 to America again.
America may be able to survive the depri
walton.
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

The nomination Of Mr.. Lamar hangs fire
in the United States Senate, while the
Judiciary committee is looking up his
record. There is report that his case has
been referred to subcommittee consist
Ing of Senators Edmunds, Hoar and Pugh;
but what is done in the committee rooms,
is not always made known to tho pnblic.
AT any rate, AZ Senators Evarts and Ed
munds are both absent from Washington,
no report can be expected from the judic-
larry committee On the subject for few
DAYS
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

PUBLISHED BY
The FREE PRESS ASSOCIATION,
G. G. BENEDICT, Editor.
Terms-S1.O "A year, always in advance
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

Some 500 Indians left British Columbia
some time ago, owing to the impossibility
of securing titles to the land which they
had occupied and improved. They estab-
lished themselves in Alaska and have I'M
der way improvements even more extern
sive than those they left behind. They
have set up steam saw mill and large
salmon cannery and are said to be prepar-
ing for an industrious life. When In
dams show disposition of this sort they
should be encouraged as much as posi-
BILE and it is expected that a bill will he
introduced at this session of Congress
granting land to them in accordance with
the suggestion in Secretary Lamar's re-
port
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

The trial trip Of the Chicago showed her
to be a serviceable vessel for the new
navy. and yet she did not altogether full
MI the requirements Of the contract. Her
speed of fifteen knots an hour, while good,
is nothing remarkable. Her armament
will consist Of four eight-inch, eight six
inch and two five-inch guns, supplement
ed by six Hotchkiss cannon. In a recent
trial. the British frigate Galstea attained
a speed Of nineteen knots per hour and
developed 1904 horse power, which was
one knot and 700 horse power in excess of
the contract requirements. The Chicago
is, no doubt, good ship; but we shall
make better ones hereafter:
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23

The Weekly Free Press from
this date is reduced one halG-it
is now only ON u DOLLAR a
year.
If Mr.. Lamar should happen not to be
confirmed his appointment to the supreme
bench Wonld prove to be an unfortunate
affair for him, as the other two nomina
tons will probably go through without
trouble. Mr.. Dickinson would then be
postmaster General, Mr.. Villas secretary of
the interior, and Mr. Lamar nothing. The
latter would be left in private life and
without even the formality of resigna
ton, unless Mr.. Walthall should step
aside and let the ex.secretary return to his
former seat in the Senate
Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1887-12-23
BORN.
DI ED.

December IS 1887, daughter 10 Mr.. ant
Mrs Alfred f. Watson OF Hartford.